Retreat in WV–Learn Old Time Skills, Hands On

A little over three years ago, I stumbled onto Chickens in the Road, written by Suzanne McMinn, former romance writer turned farmer. I was looking for a homemade bread recipe, which I have now perfected into what Mom used to make.

In 2010, I made trip to the Party on the Farm 2010 (hosted on Suzanne’s farm) and fell in love with West Virginia and Suzanne’s farm.

Last year, I helped organize and lead CITR Retreat 2011–A Hands On Experience in the Hills of West Virginia. In August, I traveled back to WV to attend 2 days of old time skills in a hands on way. It was one of the most eye opening, heart warming events I’ve ever had a chance of being part of. Party on the Farm 2011 followed two days of intense heat, no sleep, learning, and fun.

You will find me at CITR Retreat 2012! While I was stranded at Stringtown Rising last year, Suzanne and I decided to make the CITR Retreat an annual event!

CITR Retreat 2012 will be held at Camp Sheppard again this year on September 13, 14, and 15th. That’s one more day than we had last year–there are so many workshops and activities offered, one more day had to be added!

The Retreat is all inclusive–meals, lodging, workshops, activities are all included!

Workshops this year include cheesemaking, preserving, soapmaking, breadbaking, candlemaking, natural skin care, spinning, felting and fulling, quilting, container gardening, mushroom log inoculating, apron making, dulcimer playing, painting, goat milking/husbandry, and power tools.

There are activities all day on Thursday for people to attend around their check-in and chatting. Craft sharing is planned in the evenings as well as the evening entertainment that we’ve line up–West Virginia dulcimer player and maker Jim Good and Granny Sue, a real live old-fashioned folk storyteller.

Lodging at Camp Sheppard includes cabins with bunks dormitory style (lower bunks are guaranteed, there is no high-jumping or pole-vaulting required!) or areas to park your own camper or RV. Bring your camper or RV and stay a while in West Virginia, it is so worth it!

Retreat in WV to learn old time skills, hands on.